Two-Pole Squirrel-Cage Induction Generator in Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems

This paper presents the suitability of two-pole squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG) in small wind energy conversion systems and illustrates the various design aspects which substantially affect its cost, performance, quality and reliability. The efficiency of practical wind turbines is briefly discussed in order to emphasize on the very need of having low cost induction generator (IG) to compensate the high cost of wind turbines. The cost of an electrical machine directly varies as its volume which ultimately depends on the main dimensions of the machine. Hence in order to compare the cost of two-pole and four-pole IG, the main dimensions of a 2.2 kW, SCIG in 2-poles and 4-poles - as a test example - are computed. The performance of the IG in both cases has also been compared. The estimated results validate that the speed is such a design aspect that if an IG is designed with highest speed i.e. in 2-poles, not only its cost is appreciably reduced as compared to low speed IG, but also its performance is improved without affecting its suitability for using it with a wind turbine.